I'm older now, and simple beer pleasures are the most meaningful to me. They tend to be encountered locally. It is my aim to get unplugged and explore some of them, slowly and thoughtfully. I'd tell you where it's leading, except that I've no idea ... and that's the whole point of the journey: To find out.

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Following are 16 of the 17 Gravity Head 2011 starters, to be tapped on Friday, February 25. The 17th will be chosen by fan vote, which begins on Monday, February 21. Information will be posted on Monday morning.

WINNER OF THE ANNUAL FAN VOTE:The annual vote to determine the final Gravity Head starter will begin on Monday, February 21. Choices will be drawn from remaining kegs in stock, with some of these excluded from the fan vote because they’re being saved for pouring at a later date during Gravity Head 2011.

SPECIAL NOTE: UNANNOUNCED BUT POURING ANYWAYAlso on tap at 7:00 a.m. on the 25th will be Founders Canadian Breakfast Stout, not listed among the official 2011 entries, but meant to serve as a pleasant surprise.

In addition to the Three Floyds contingent listed above, two non-gravity Three Floyds will be on tap on the 25th: Alpha King and a 1/6 barrel of Hell’s Black Intelligencer, an Oatmeal Stout infused with coffee.

Later in the evening on Friday, February 25, an unlisted keg of Upland Bourbon Barrel Winter Warmer will be tapped.

On Saturday afternoon, February 26, an unlisted keg of NABC Willett Bourbon Barrel Chocolate Stout will be tapped in honor of the visiting Daytonians, but is not restricted to them by any means.